Overall Rating
This is an aggregated review score of Avvo and Lawyers.com reviews.
This is an aggregated review score of Avvo and Lawyers.com reviews.
5.0 /5.0
230 Client Reviews
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Craig Thrift
also known as Robert Craig Thrift, Robert Craig Thrift Jr.
Virtual Consultation Available
Free Consultation
About Craig
Biography
Craig Thrift has spent nearly 20 years helping business owners, investors, and entrepreneurs make smart, strategic decisions. He works with clients on everything from starting a company to selling one, and handles mergers, acquisitions, financings, franchising, leasing, real estate transactions, and day-to-day corporate matters.
Craig acts as a sounding board and trusted advisor for his clients. He brings a strong understanding of both the legal and business aspects of a deal, helping clients structure transactions in ways that protect them, minimize risk, and set them up for long-term success. He regularly drafts and negotiates operating agreements, shareholder agreements, employment and non-compete agreements, loan documents, settlement agreements, and other key business contracts.
Over the years, Craig has helped guide more than $900 million in transactions. He’s worked with public companies, private equity and venture capital funds, family offices, startups, and everything in between. His clients come from a range of industries, including real estate, hospitality, technology, manufacturing, and professional services.
Craig is among the best-reviewed real estate and business law attorneys in Georgia on Avvo. He has achieved an AV® Preeminent Peer Review Rating, the highest rating awarded for legal ability and ethical standards, from Martindale-Hubbell. He has also received the Martindale-Hubbell Platinum Client Champion designation and the Avvo Clients’ Choice Award for the quantity and quality of client reviews.
He is a member of the State Bar of Georgia Business Law Section, Corporate Counsel Law Section, General Practice and Trial Law Section, Real Property Law Section, as well as the Franchise and Distribution Law Section. He is also a member of Phi Beta Kappa and Phi Delta Phi.
Before co-founding Thrift McLemore, Craig practiced at top national firms, including McDermott Will & Emery, King & Spalding, and Jones Day. He also worked in-house for both public and private real estate companies.
He earned his law degree from Washington and Lee University and graduated from the University of South Carolina’s Honors College with a degree in Business Management.
Knowledgeable, Results-Driven Attorney. Call Today (678) 671-5652.
Go-to Counsel for Small Businesses in Georgia
Go-to Counsel for Small Businesses in Georgia
Helping to Protect and Enjoy Life
Franchise and Dealership Pro
Experienced in all areas of Real Estate Law
Practice Areas
5
Practice Areas
Business
30%
19 years | 450 cases
Real Estate
25%
19 years | 400 cases
Franchising
20%
19 years | 150 cases
Corporate and Incorporation
15%
19 years | 575 cases
Fees and Rates
Cost
Payment Methods
- Cash
- Check
- Credit Card
Awards
2025 2024 2022
...
+
5
Licenses
Licensed in Georgia for 18 years
State: Georgia
Acquired: 2007
No misconduct found
Location
Thrift McLemore
(678) 623-5872
Fax
1000 Parkwood Circle SE, Suite 950, Atlanta, GA, 30339
thriftlegal.com/Gallery
Online Presence
Other places you can find Craig online.
Craig Thrift's Reviews
Showing 1 - 5 of 183 client reviews from Avvo
Posted by Collin | October 16, 2025 | Hired Attorney
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Great humans
I have been fortunate to collaborate with exceptional individuals. Their expertise played a pivotal role in preserving my family's home and well-being. Edward Klem's professionalism and skillful court representation were instrumental in securing the favorable outcome we required. Their approach is di...
Posted by anonymous | September 12, 2025 | Consulted Attorney
This review is from a potential client who consulted with this attorney.
Pleasant
Although, I had no case with Mr. Thrift he was very helpful and pleasant during our phone consultation. I hope to be able to work with him in the future once my business grows more in revenue.
Posted by Teresa | July 9, 2025 | Consulted Attorney
This review is from a potential client who consulted with this attorney.
Very professional
Very professional and efficient! Great estate planning and I recommend this firm to anyone that asks for my help.
Posted by Kimberly | May 9, 2025 | Hired Attorney
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Professional lawyer
I can't thank my lawyer, Craig Thrift enough for the incredible work he did on my case. From day one, he was professional, knowledgeable, and truly dedicated to achieving the best possible outcome. He took the time to explain everything in detail, answered all my questions patiently, and always made ...
Posted by Isabel Perez | January 27, 2025 | Hired Attorney
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Reseña
Tuve una experiencia excelente trabajando con el abogado Craig Thirft. Desde el primer momento, demostró ser profesional, confiable y muy conocedor de las leyes relacionadas con mi caso. Su comunicación fue clara y siempre estuvo disponible para responder mis preguntas, lo que me dio mucha tranquil...
Craig Thrift's Lawyer Endorsements
"Attorney Thrift is a knowledgeable and respected member of the legal community. He is a committed legal advocate. His law firm is highly experienced in business law and numerous other areas of practice."
"Craig is a hardworking attorney that advocates and works diligently to get his clients the best result. I highly endorse working with Craig."
"I endorse this lawyer I endorse this lawyer as Craig fights hard for his clients while looking for a creative solution to solve difficult legal issues."
"Craig is an experienced, talented, and creative attorney. A particular strength is his understanding of the intersection of legal and business arenas and utilizing that knowledge to provide impeccable service to his clients. I highly endorse Craig Thrift."
"Craig is a highly intelligent and skilled business transactions attorney. He displays a wide breadth of knowledge in the business law arena and finds creative and practical solutions for his clients. As a fellow attorney, I am particularly impressed by Craig’s acumen in both securities and private equity transactions, two complex areas of law. Craig’s strong communication skills help his clients focus on the most important aspects of their transactions and render him a most effective negotiator. I highly recommend Craig to anyone requiring legal representation for their business transactions."
"Craig is everything you'd want in an attorney. He's one of the smartest people I've ever met and an expert in business, real estate, and estate planning law. He also happens to be incredibly easy to get along with. I strongly endorse him!"
"I endorse Craig. He is technically competent, represented his client well, achieved a good result for his client and is collegial. In an era where professionalism is in decline, Craig can disagree without being disagreeable."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"Craig is very professional and responsive."
"I endorse this lawyer. Craig has acted as a mentor to me, willingly sharing his knowledge and experience all in the interest of helping me become successful in the practice of law. I appreciate his "paying it forward" as this is not always the case!"
"Craig is an outstanding attorney. He shows great concern for his clients and is an excellent communicator. He does an excellent job of staying in touch with his clients and puts their interests first."
Matthew Randall
Corporate and incorporation lawyer | May 15
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I endorse this lawyer."
"I endorse this lawyer. Craig is smart, dedicated, and conscientious. He's an effective advocate because he truly cares about his clients. I would not hesitate to recommend him to anyone who asks."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"I endorse this lawyer. I have known Craig for many years and I know what a strong advocate he is for his clients. Craig has the real world work experience and big firm pedigree to assist any client's needs."
"I endorse this lawyer. Worked together to solve a problem. Good insight and result oriented."
"I endorse this lawyer, his knowledge and expertise allow him to excel in his field."
"Craig approaches legal matters with acumen and creativity, and with the highest of ethical standards. I endorse him wholeheartedly."
"Craig is a very smart, practical and business minded attorney. I would highly recommend him to anyone needing help with development, real estate, timeshare or corporate issues. He is great to work with and very good at finding creative solutions."
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Experience
Honors
2025
Best Probate Attorneys in Atlanta 2025, Expertise
2025
Best Estate Planners in Atlanta 2025, Expertise
2025
Martindale-Hubbell AV Preeminent Rated, Martindale-Hubbell
2025
Platinum Client Champion, Martindale-Hubbell
2025
2025 Client's Choice Award, Avvo
2024
Platinum Client Champion, Martindale-Hubbell
2024
2024 Client's Choice Award, Avvo
2024
Martindale-Hubbell AV Preeminent Rated, Martindale-Hubbell
2024
Best Estate Planners in Atlanta 2024, Expertise
2024
Best Probate Attorneys in Atlanta 2024, Expertise
2023
Best Probate Attorneys in Atlanta 2023, Expertise
2023
Best Estate Planners in Atlanta 2023, Expertise
2023
Martindale-Hubbell AV Preeminent Rated, Martindale-Hubbell
2023
Platinum Client Champion, Martindale-Hubbell
2023
2023 Client's Choice Award, Avvo
2022
Martindale-Hubbell AV Preeminent Rated, Martindale-Hubbell
2022
Best Probate Attorneys in Atlanta 2022, Expertise
2022
Best Estate Planners in Atlanta 2022, Expertise
2022
Platinum Client Champion, Martindale-Hubbell
2022
2022 Client's Choice Award, Avvo
2021
Best Estate Planners in Atlanta 2021, Expertise
2021
Best Probate Attorneys in Atlanta 2021, Expertise
2021
Martindale Hubbell AV Preeminent 2021, Martindale-Hubbell®
2020
Martindale-Hubbell AV Preeminent Rated, Martindale-Hubbell
2020
Platinum Client Champion, Martindale-Hubbell
2020
2020 Client's Choice Award, Avvo
2019
Client's Choice, Avvo
2019
Peer Review Rated, Martindale-Hubbell
2019
Platinum Client Champion, Martindale-Hubbell
2018
Platinum Client Champion, Martindale-Hubbell®
2018
Highly Recommended, Alignable
2018
2018 Client's Choice Award, Avvo
2017
2017 Gold Client Champion, Martindale-Hubbell
2017
2017 Client's Choice Award, Avvo
2007
Licensee Nominee, Georgia Bar Journal
2006
Tucker Inn Academic Excellence Award, Phi Delta Phi
Work Experience
2011 - Present
Senior Partner, Thrift McLemore
2009 - 2009
Associate, McDermott Will & Emery
2009 - 2013
Business Development, Various Real Estate Developers
2007 - 2009
Associate, King & Spalding
2006 - 2007
Associate, Jones Day
2001 - 2002
Financial Analyst, Wachovia Securities
Associations
2018 - Present
American Bar AssociationChairman
2017 - Present
State Bar of Georgia, Business Law SectionMember
2017 - Present
State Bar of Georgia, Corporate Counsel Law SectionMember
2017 - Present
State Bar of Georgia, General Practice and Trial Law SectionMember
2017 - Present
Georgia Resort Development AssociationPresident
2016 - Present
State Bar of Georgia, Real Property Law SectionMember
2010 - Present
State Bar of Georgia, Franchise and Distribution Law SectionMember
2006 - Present
State Bar of GeorgiaMember
2001 - Present
Phi Beta KappaMember
2005 - 2006
Phi Delta PhiPresident
Education
2006
Washington & Lee University
JD - Juris Doctor
2001
University of South Carolina Honors College
BA Business Administration
Speaking Engagements
2019
Georgia organizations (state)
"Issues Facing Heavy Equipment Dealers"
2019
2019 Thrift McLemore Resort Developer Conference
Legal Events Affecting Resort Developers
Publications
2019
Thrift McLemore Law Institute
Georgia Commercial Debt Collection: Attorney or Agency?
2019
Thrift McLemore Law institute
Defending a Mechanics Lien in Georgia
2019
Thrift McLemore Law Institute
Suing for Latent Defects in a Home Purchase in Georgia
2018
T&M Developer Conference
Offering Medium Term Timeshare-Backed Notes
2018
AVVO
9 Steps to an Effective Retirement
2018
AVVO Legal Guides
10 Steps to Effective Estate Planning
2012
RV Industry News
Rolling Timeshare - Fractionalizing RVs
2011
2011 Viking Advisory Group Newsletter
The Viking Capture Legal Solution
Languages
English
Activity
Legal Answers
Legal Guides
Legal Answers
Q&A
How long after a judge signs off approving a firm’s appointment as counsel for an estate should I see a check?
01 Nov 2022
Q&A
Does a property owner who has right of way acess to a lake in Mainehave the right to extend access to airbnb renters to use?
30 Aug 2022
Q&A
Father died left house behind?
17 Aug 2022